Taliban are out to brutalize the western civilization thereby validating the controversial thesis of Samuel Huntington. Taliban are the greatest threat to South Asia also. The problem is therefore national, regional and global. The solution must accordingly be commensurate with the magnitude of the crisis. Considering the mind-boggling gravity of the situation, I suggest we form anti Taliban alliance comprising the entire South Asia and China. We may be running out of time already in uniting the region. The alternative is so catastrophic that it cannot be imagined at present. Some political forces of this country, like PTI, JUI-F and JI do not understand the nature and ferocity of the gathering storm. That is why they are adding fuel to fire by shifting blame of the NWFP situation to America and raising unnecessary alarm against the military operation underway in Swat. We have to choose between Pakistan and Taliban. The choice is clear and can not be delayed. The war against terror can not be won without getting all countries of the region on board. -B.A. MALIK, Islamabad, via e-mail, May 24.